FC Tucson 1-1 Chivas USA

FC Tucson opened the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup in much the same way it had opened the North Stadium back in November: outplaying Chivas USA for large chunks of the match.

But unlike that November classic, FC Tucson finished the match with a 1-1 draw to earn a point in the MLS Preseason Tournament.

“I’m actually really disappointed we didn’t score four goals,” said FC Tucson Head Coach Rick Schantz. “We created three really, really great chances.”

Due to the near misses, FC Tucson went into the half drawn with Chivas USA, 0-0. But the team took the lead in the 54th minute when Martin Rapella jumped on a loose ball on the right side of the box and fired it into the back of the net.

The lead wouldn’t last long.

In the 59th minute, Chivas USA’s Carlos Alvarez took the ball from about four to five yards outside of the box and chipped it over an outstretched Michael D’Arrigo. The ball bounced off the bottom of the crossbar and into the goal.

“I saw him setting up to hit it far post and it was a great shot,” D’Arrigo saod. “Another goal off the post. I thought I was almost there but next time we’ll get that.”

FC Tucson’s next match in the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup is Saturday, February 22 against the Chicago Fire at 1 p.m. Chivas USA will play the New England Revolution at 6 p.m.